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Replacing Broken Tool Handles

Replacing a handle, not a whole tool, takes a little time but saves you some money.

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When the wood handle of a shovel, rake, or hoe snaps in two, don't toss it out. In most cases, you can save the tool — and some money — by replacing the handle.

First, firmly clamp the tool in a bench vise. Then, use an angle grinder or electric drill equipped with an abrasive wheel to grind off the heads of the steel rivets that secure the busted handle to the tool. Drive the rivets out of the handle with a hammer and center punch or nailset. Remove the chunk of broken handle and insert a new handle. Drill holes into the old rivet holes and through the new handle. Then, secure the handle with new rivets or use machine bolts with locking washers and hex nuts.